Andy Murray
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Andy Murray's professional relationship with Brad Gilbert may have ended last year, but one of his famous mantras, 'Winning Ugly', epitomised tonight's encounter against Juan Martin Del Potro. The British number one played well below his usual standard, but his determination and competitive spirit shone through in the end, as he defeated the Argentinian 7-6 7-6 4-6 7-5 in just under four absorbing hours.
Del Potro was riding a wave of confidence coming into the match, with a twenty-three match winning streak behind him, but it was Murray who started brightest, going 4-1 up in the first set, only to surrender his serve and lose four games consecutively. However, he did not capitulate and fought back to break and take the first set in the tie-break.
InterviewThe Scot seemed lethargic, and his groundstrokes, which were so prominent in his demolition of Stanislas Wawrinka were letting him down, as the Argentine took full advantage of Murray's short depth, and it took yet another tie-break to separate the pair at the end of the second set, with Murray taking it at a canter.
Del Potro seemed to be nursing a knee injury, receiving treatment at regular intervals, but he invested every ounce of strength into the third set, dominating the rallies with his dangerous forehand, and edged Murray 6-4 in the third.
Murray was flirting with another five set match, going down a break twice in the fourth set, but he fought valiantly to battle back and broke serve in the twelfth game to seal a momentous victory.
Murray's post-match comments
There were some intense moments but I was just glad to come through. He was on an unbelievable winning streak. He had confidence. I knew I was going to have to fight a lot.
I'm very relieved. I had my chances to put it away earlier and let it slip away. It feels great to be in the semi-finals. After a match like that it makes it feel even better.
Match Statistics (1 image)
Rafael Nadal awaits in the semi final, a match which will feature on 'Super Saturday'.
A new career milestone beckons for Andy Murray on Wednesday evening. In fact, you could argue that two milestones are up for grabs, as a victory against Juan Martin Del Potro would see the British number one rise to number four in the ATP rankings, a career best, and reach his first ever Grand Slam semi final.
Murray was in superb form on Monday night, demolishing close friend and fellow top ten player Stanislas Wawrinka 6-1 6-3 6-3, and the confidence seems to be back in bucket loads. The sixth seed played intelligently, hitting with great depth and allowing his Swiss opponent to self-destruct, a tactic that might be employed against the hard-hitting Del Potro tomorrow.
The big Argentine has been making headlines of his own over the last two months, capturing four titles (two on clay, two on hardcourt) and has notched up a twenty-three match winning streak in doing so. A feat that is diminished when you consider that the majority of the tennis elite were over in Beijing at the time, but a remarkable achievement all the same.
However, this encounter has an extra edge due to events that transpired back in May of this year. Murray and Del Potro played out a tense affair in Rome, that ended prematurely due to injury. During the match, the Scot chastised Del Potro for aiming a shot deliberately at him, which sparked a heated exchange. Del Potro responded, claiming 'you and your mother are always the same', implying a history of dislike between the two.
This will no doubt motivate Murray, and give him the psychological fillip he needs to bring out his best tennis on Wednesday. The match is scheduled third on court, and should start late evening UK time, at approximately 8PM (BST). Few would bet against Murray if he repeats his form of Monday night - it's time to snap the streak.
Andy Murray dazzled the New York crowd with a display of spellbinding tennis, as he eased to a comfortable 6-1 6-3 6-3 win over Stanislas Wawrinka. It was Murray's first taste of Arthur Ashe court, and he showed no signs of nerves, as he rocketed to a 4-0 lead in the first set, bossing the rallies and producing some stunning backhand winners in the process.
The British number one was chasing his second career Grand Slam quarter final, and he kept up the pressure on his Swiss opponent, disrupting his rhythm and frustrating him time after time by hitting with great length to his error-prone backhand. The Scot staved off two break points in the second set, but was troubled no further, and sealed the set 6-3 to strengthen his grip on the match.
A fabulous match. Probably the best tennis he's ever played. Really solid and consistent.
- Hulahoop
» Join the discussion.Wawrinka's catalogue of errors was building up, and Murray took full advantage, breaking twice to ensure an important and impressive victory over an opponent who has proved difficult in previous encounters.
Murray's post-match comments
It was the first match I've played on that court. I've been looking forward to it for a long, long time, and to play like that made it pretty special.
To play like that was obviously great, it gives me a bit of extra confidence.
The last (Grand) Slam quarter I played (at Wimbledon), I got killed and (Rafael) Nadal played way too good for me, but I feel like I'm playing better now.
I'm definitely going to be more rested this time round and hopefully play a better match. I think I'm playing well enough to win.
Match Statistics (1 image)
Juan Martin Del Potro awaits in the quarter final, a clash that will be played on Wednesday at a time yet to be confirmed.
Murray and Huber reach mixed doubles semisJamie Murray and his American partner Liezel Huber have reached the semi-final of the mixed doubles.
They came through in a tight match against the 2nd seeds Katarina Srebotnik and Nenad Zimonjic 7-6(5) 6-7(11) (11-9)
The pair had to win the last five points in the match tie-break and will now face Eric Butorac and Jill Craybas for a place in the final.
Andy Murray fought back from a perilous position to defeat Jurgen Melzer 6-7 4-6 7-6 6-1 6-3 and advance to the fourth round of the US Open.
The British number one had four break point opportunities in the first set, but he failed to convert any of them and Melzer capitalised in the tie-break. Murray looked languid and passive in the second set, and seemed content to let Melzer dictate play, which he duly did and grabbed a two set advantage.
Murray should be too strong for Stan but he's not exactly been playing at his best so far.
- scotsman75.
» Join the discussion. However, it took yet another tie-break to let Murray back into the match, despite being a break up in the third set. The momentum stayed with the Scot as his confidence rolled over into the fourth set. Melzer's conditioning seemed to waver, and he beckoned for the trainer to attend to him as the fourth set drew to a close. It didn't put Murray off his rhythm though, as he saved two break points and then pounced to seal victory in just under four breathtaking hours of tennis to the delight of the fans packed into the Grandstand arena.
In the fourth round, he'll face Stanislas Wawrinka, who also came through in five sets. The match will be played on Monday at a time yet to be confirmed.
Murray's reactionHe was playing awesome, hitting the ball so hard and flat.
It was so tough for me to get a rhythm, but I felt after the third set, the momentum was with me.
My fitness is something I've worked so hard on. I've got a great team with me and I'm really enjoying working with them.
Ideally, you'd rather not play matches of that length, but sometimes it happens. You've got to get through it.
Match Statistics (1 image)
Yesterday Andy Murray and partner Ross Hutchins were beaten in the doubles 7-5 3-6 7-6(2) by the number one seeds, Nestor/Zimonjic.
After a tight opening service game from Murray in which the Brits held, each pair held comfortably. At 5-5 the British pair faced break points. Nestor and Zimonjic took advantage and served out the set.
Early in the 2nd set Nestor and Zimonjic faced their first break points and Murray and Hutchins capitalised to take that break. The unseeded pair served the set out on their 3rd set point.
Missed opportunities was the story of the 3rd set of Murray and Hutchins, with the top seeds saving numerous break points throughout the set. At 5-6 the Brits took it into a tie-break after saving 2 match points. The experience of the top pair showed in the tie-break in which they took 7-2.
It was a great effort from all of them in what might prove be Nestor and Zimonjic's toughest match of the tournament.
The Murrays headline Davis Cup teamAndy and Jamie Murray have been named, as expected, in the Great Britain team to play against Austria next month.
British singles number 2, Alex Bogdanovic, and doubles number 2, Ross Hutchins, have also been named in the team.
Captain John Lloyd said,
I firmly believe I've picked the team that stands the best possible chance of getting us back into the World Group.
Andy has been playing some fabulous tennis this summer and is a match for anyone.
I have options with my doubles combination, which is so often the crucial rubber in Davis Cup ties, and Alex is returning to form just at the right time.
Austria are a tough side but with the support of a home crowd, we are capable of beating them - it is sure to be an exciting three days of tennis.
Andy Murray is through to the third round of the US Open after edging past Michael Llodra, 6-4 1-6 7-5 7-6 (9-7).
Murray started well, breaking Llodra in the third game of the opening set and then following that break with a solid serving perfomance.
However, Murray seemed to fall asleep in the second set as his first serve deserted him and the Frenchman broke him twice to take the set 6-1.
What an epic, just what Murray needed - shows his class even when he's not at his best.
- janscribe.
» Join the discussion. The Scot was able to find his form in the third set, along with a bit of anger at a few dodgy line calls, which brought his game back to a level that matched Llodra and he managed to find enough form to win the set 7-5.
Murray's second serve continued to be a problem for him, however, as Llodra became increasingly aggresive on the return, coming into the net on the back of most second serve returns. The tactic paid dividends for him as he managed to break Murray twice in the fourth set. Only Andy's superior returning skills kept him in the set as he managed to bring the set into a tie break where he saved two set points before clinching the match.
The Scot will now play Austria's Jurgen Melzer in the third round at Flushing Meadows.
Andy's reaction
On what was key to his win...
I started to return better in the third and fourth sets.
It was a tense final set tie-break, I'm just glad to have come through it.
He's such a tricky guy to play against, he's one of the best in the world at the net.
On the physical effects of playing four sets...
I feel fine. There were a lot of quick games, not many long points.
Match Statistics (1 image)
Andy Murray easily beat Sergio Roitman of Argentina in the first round of the US Open, 6-3 6-4 6-0.
Murray broke world number 107 Roitman at the first attempt and was never threatened as he raced away to win in one hour 35 minutes.
The Scot had too much variety in the match for the clay-court specialist, and despite the fact Murray was serving at less than 50% throughout the encounter, Roitman was still unable to break.
Andy was playing well within himself, not because of form, but clearly to save himself for later rounds.
- daverambo.
» Join the discussion.A couple of big forehands from Murray helped to clinch an immediate break and he served out the set with little fuss, and it was a familiar story after he broke in the fifth game of the second set.
In the third set the errors began to flow from Roitman and Murray grabbed three successive breaks on his way to winning the third set, sealing victory with a superb backhand winner.
Murray's comments
I thought it was pretty decent. I didn't lose my serve the whole match.
I thought he played pretty well for about a set and a half. He was hitting his forehand really hard and making me do a bit of running.
It was a decent test and I came through it pretty well.
It was quite tight, the end of the second set, and then I think once I won that, it was going to be a long way back for him.
And obviously I felt much more relaxed after I won the second set and started to return a bit closer, stepping a little bit closer and coming forward a little bit, and being a bit more aggressive.
Match Statistics (1 image)
Tomorrow marks the start of the most open Grand Slam since the beginning of the Federer era of domination. Rafael Nadal has usurped the Swiss maestro this year, dethroning him at Wimbledon and stealing his place at the crest of the ATP rankings after a wonderful year. It is his first Grand Slam as top seed, and it is yet to be seen how the Spaniard will cope with the added pressure that comes with being number one.
However, Nadal has yet to make it past the quarter-finals at Flushing Meadow, a statistic that will concern and motivate him. Novak Djokovic was close to winning his first grand slam here last year, but failing to hold his nerve cost him dearly against Federer in the final, and the Serb will be looking to add to his maiden Slam this fortnight. His form has been rather inconsistent since his shock loss to Marat Safin at Wimbledon earlier in the year, failing to defend his title in Toronto, but then reaching the final of Cincinnati and then fighting bravely to grab bronze in Beijing last week. Then there's Federer himself, who has had a miserable year by his near-perfect standards, and who must be keen to redeem himself.
The US hardcourt summer has seen the emergence of a new threat to the top three. Andy Murray triumphed in Cincinnati last month and claimed his first Masters win, a huge confidence boost going into the US Open. However, a lacklustre performance at the Olympics (which he put down to lack of preparation) means he has only played one singles match in the last twenty days.
Read on (269 more words)
The British number one opens his campaign against Sergio Roitman tomorrow evening, and it would not be uncommon to see Murray struggle with lack of match practice tomorrow against the Argentine. Roitman has a 2-14 record on hardcourt in ATP events, and like many of his compatriots, prefers the clay at home.
Other obstacles beyond Roitman include Michael Llodra, a classy doubles player who should be tricky if Murray does not assert his authority. Then there's Feliciano Lopez, the big serving Spaniard, who took a set off Federer at this tournament last year, a feat that was much more difficult at that time. At the round four hurdle, the Scot could face Mikhail Youzhny or Stanislas Wawrinka who are both dangerous if Murray decides to withdraw into his passive tennis shell. David Ferrer, the world number four is the other top seed in Murray's quarter of the draw, and will most likely be there in the quarters to face Murray providing they both get there of course. Ferrer stunned Nadal last year and went on to reach the final in Shanghai after a stunning 2007.
Beyond that, the mighty Nadal could potentially be Murray's semi final opponent, a clash that would excite many and possibly would light up the tournament if previous encounters (Wimbledon aside) are anything to go by.
Hypothetically speaking, it looks like Murray has a great chance of making a run to the semis, and bettering his personal best at Grand Slam level. He's full of confidence, plays well over in America and has a kind draw to get him up and running, here's hoping.
Andy Murray takes on world no-102 Sergio Roitman of Argentina in the first round of the US Open which starts next week.
The Scot will play Roitman for the first time and if he gets past the 29-year-old he will then face either Michael Llodra or Teimuraz Gabashvili.
Murray has the easiest passage to the semi final, he must make full use of it.
- Seany-Bhoy.
» Join the discussion.
R2 > Llodra (expected)
R3 > Lopez (expected)
R4 > Wawrinka (expected)
QF > Ferrer (expected)
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Former number 1, John McEnroe
has predicted that Andy Murray to finish the year at number 4.
It would be hard for me to make an argument that Murray could win the US Open.
But he's taken some serious steps in the right direction.
He's definitely stronger, and fitter and I think he's going to end the year as fourth in the world.
Murray is using his emotion in a more positive way and it's helping. He's sixth in the world and has managed to turn negative energy into something more positive.
That's not easy to do but when you can do it, it's a great feeling.
After the top three, Murray is the fourth guy.
Murray will expect to have a better preperation for the US Open in New York starting on Monday.
Andy Murray and brother Jamie are out of the Beijing Olympics after losing 6-1 6-3 to France's Michael Llodra and Arnaud Clement in the second round of the men's doubles event.
I'm glad they're out - now Andy can go to New York and get ready for the US Open.
- dmarc.
» Join the discussion.The Murray brothers were no match for Llodra and Clement who won the match with ease in just over an hour.
Team France broke serve twice in each set and the match ended with Jamie double-faulting on match point to lose his serve and the match.
Andy's comments
We didn't serve particularly well or return well and it was always going to be difficult if you can't put any pressure on them.
After being a part of the Olympics for the first time and seeing what it means when the athletes win medals and how big a deal it is you realise how much you want to do well and sometimes you want it a bit too much and don't play so well.
Next time we will be playing at home on one of our best surfaces and will have a lot more experience.
He also admitted to being unprofessional in his preparation:
I found out the day after my singles match I'd lost four and a half kilos since I arrived here.
I didn't prepare as well as I should have done. It was unprofessional and something I need to learn from.
I'll have to make sure it doesn't happen again because I think I'm playing really well right now, the US Open is my favourite tournament and I believe I can do really well there.
Ideally I'd have like to have got here earlier but I didn't because I played very well in Cincinnati.
Normally at each tournament I weigh myself right at the start and I should have checked that as soon as I got here instead of the day after my match.
The upside to this defeat is Andy Murray now gets some extra preparation for the US Open which begins on the 25th of August.
Andy Murray and his brother, Jamie, came back from a set down to beat Canada's Daniel Nestor and Frederick Niemeyer 4-6 6-3 6-4.
The Canadian pair were the stronger in the first set and broke Andy's serve in the tenth game to take the set.
HighlightsTheir chemistry on court was totally off - they hardly spoke. Andy's been in the strangest mood all day, I'm worried about him.
- ljsmall.
» Join the discussion.The Brits gained confidence at the start of the second set by going into a 2-0 lead. Andy was broken for the second time in the match a few games later, but the team claimed the set by winning both of Niemeyer service games.
Andy and Jamie raced to a 4-1 lead in the third but momentum was halted when the Canadians broke while Jamie was serving for the match. Luckily, the Murrays broke straight back to reach the second round.
Andy Murray's reactionsI'd like success but if I had to pick one it would be to win with my brother. To win an Olympic medal with my brother would be something special.
Jamie Murray's reactionsIt was a tough situation and Andy losing in the singles was a bit of a shock for us. He was a bit flat and some of that translated to me. That happens sometimes.
Andy came here with high hopes of doing well in the singles and I guess he needed a bit of encouragement.
It was a tough day for him but we got through and that's the main thing.
The victory came as a bit of a relief for Great Britain, stung by Andy's shock defeat in the singles earlier in the day. The second round opponents will either be former Wimbledon champions Clememt and Llodra of France or current Australian open champions Erlich and Ram of Israel.
British hopes of a medal in the tennis singles were dashed this afternoon as Andy Murray fell at the first hurdle to Chinese Taipei number one, Yen-Hsun Lu, 6-7 (5/7) 4-6.
While Lu played the match of his life, Murray looked out of sorts no doubt suffering from his exploits in Cincinatti and Toronto in the last three weeks.
HighlightsThe opening set saw Murray miss his opportunity to stamp his authority on the match, as three set points slipped through his fingers. Lu finally won the set on tie-break and quickly flew to a 2-0 lead in the second. Andy did claw the break back in the third game of the set but neither mans serve looked particularly safe as they both faced numerous break points throughout the set. Murray looked set to gain the advantage back as he raced to a 0-40 lead on Lu's serve in the ninth game of the match. However, Lu held on and finally, at 15-40 in the tenth game he saw his opportunity and claimed the biggest victory of his career.
I don't want to make excuses - Lu just played better than me. I had my chances and I didn't take them.
An out-of-sorts Murray will no doubt be disappointed with his lacklustre performance and will look to keep his medal hopes alive when he plays doubles with his brother Jamie at around 2pm BST.
Andy Murray has insisted today that his mother is wrong in saying that he will struggle at the US Open if he does well at the Olympics.
I think she's wrong.
It makes it harder if you do well, but between now and the final of the US Open there are three weeks. You are going to have at least two weeks off because you only play every other day at the [grand] slams, so if you do all the right things in between then you can do well.
Murray will have a tough schedule considering his participation in the doubles event,
I will definitely have to play twice on the same day if I want to do well. That makes it harder too, but it's a great opportunity for me to play doubles with my brother.
The Scot, who is a Bikram Yoga enthusiast (Yoga in extreme heat and humidity), is not afraid of the humid conditions in Beijing,
Cincinnati was hotter, but the humidity is worse here. But I work hard. I practice a lot in Miami which is very hot. If you stay and practice indoors in cold conditions then it will be hard to adjust.
Murray continues...
On the quality of the field,
If the top six or seven players weren't competing then you could say it's obviously not important, but the gold medal is huge. Federer is one of the greatest players of all time and is obviously desperate to win the gold. If it wasn't a big deal then the top guys wouldn't be here. It's obviously important to us.
Brother Jamie explains why he isn't sharing a room with Andy,
We've got different rooms - I don't think I could handle sharing with him. It's completely different to anything I'm used to. When you go to the dining hall it's like being back at a massive school - there are so many people there.
Andy Murray will take on Yen-Hsun Lu of Taipei in the first round of the Beijing Olympics.
The draw for the tennis event has been released and the Scot is likely to face Rafael Nadal in the quarter-finals and Novak Djokovic after that.
Murray should reach the quarter-finals but go no further unless Nadal tanks.
- Sir Panda.
» Join the discussion.I feel confident. I'm playing the best tennis of my career but it's tough here. Very hard conditions, very hard tournament and I'm playing singles and doubles.
It's pretty physically tiring as well. You have to make sure you don't spend too much energy off the court and try to save it all for the match.
Andy and Jamie Murray will play Canada's Daniel Nestor and Frederick Niemeyer in the first round of the doubles event.
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